malaysiang
Kuala lumpur: The Deepavali festival, also known as Diwali, is being celebrated with great joy and vibrant colours today, with Hindu devotees in Malaysia flocking early in the morning to temples to offer prayers and seek blessings. The vibrancy of the Festival of Lights was more meaningful with the entire country ‘illuminated’ by celebrations creating harmony and instilling unity among the people, as all layers of society, regardless of race, share the joy of celebrating the festival.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, in PERAK, around 5,000 Hindu devotees visited the Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh, Ipoh as early as 6 am. The temple’s honorary secretary, V. Thiagarajan said that this year’s Deepavali celebration was more vibrant than the previous year, with a variety of colourful outfits being worn. Meanwhile, Perak Chief Minister Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, in a speech on Facebook, said that the celebration of Deepavali reminds us of the importance of brotherhood and unity among the
various races and religions, which are the true strengths of Malaysia.
In MELAKA, the Deepavali celebration was lively, including at the Sri Maha Karumarriamman Alayam Temple in Paya Rumput Perdana, where hundreds of Hindu devotees had gathered since 7 am. One devotee, R. Malini, 46, from Taman Muzaffar Syah, Ayer Keroh said she woke up at 5.30 am for an oil bath by her mother, S. Shanta Devi, 73, before getting ready to go to the temple with family members.
In JOHOR, the 107-year-old Arulmigu Thandayuthapani Temple, the oldest temple in the state, on Jalan Kuel, Wadi Hana, continues to be a focal point for the Hindu community, decked in colourful attire, to perform prayers during Deepavali. Although the temple is in the process of renovation, temple chairman G. Meganathan said he expects more than 1,000 Hindu devotees to attend the religious programme today.
In NEGERI SEMBILAN, some 6,000 Hindu devotees are expected to visit the Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple in Seremban, which is one of the oldest temple
s in the country. Temple president Capt (R) VR. Parameswaran said that in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration, the temple was opened for two sessions today, with the first session from 7 am to noon, followed by the second session from 7 pm to 9.30 pm.
In SELANGOR, the Hindu community attending the Sri Maha Maariamman Devasthanam Temple in Shah Alam, looked dapper and charming in their traditional attire. Meanwhile, there was a lively celebration at the open house organised by Klang member of parliament V. Ganabatirau, which was also attended by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin, as well as the state government leaders.
In PERLIS, the Arulmigu Arumugaswamy Dhevasthanam Temple in Kangar became the focus of Hindu devotees in the state who began flocking there since 7 am today to offer their prayers. K. Kalai Selvian, 23, who was met after visiting the temple, could not hide the joy of celebrating Deepavali with family members in Kanga
r after failing to do so last year due to work commitments in Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, in KUALA LUMPUR, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim did not miss the opportunity to join thousands in celebrating the Deepavali MADANI 2024 Open House held in Sentul today. Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, as well as ministers and deputy ministers.
In TERENGGANU, the Hindu community observed the Deepavali celebration modestly, and started the morning with oil baths before sunrise. Civil servant D. Punithavalli, 39, said the day began with the eldest family member applying the oil to the heads of each family member.
In SARAWAK, the celebration was simple yet meaningful, even though the number of Hindus in the state is not very large. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was seen taking the opportunity to attend two open houses hosted by Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president
Datuk Dr. Kalwinder Singh Khaira and lawyer Shankar Ram in conjunction with the Festival of Lights today.
In PENANG, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his Deepavali message, invited all families in the Pearl of the Orient to embrace the values of love, respect, unity and harmony as these are needed to strengthen family and community relationships. He hopes the light of Deepavali will always illuminate the journey towards achieving the Penang2030 vision and Malaysia MADANI, ensuring that all plans and developments in the state can be implemented comprehensively without sidelining any party, including the Indian community. Chow also expressed the state government’s commitment to continue initiatives and incentives to empower the Indian community by increasing the annual grant allocation for the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (HEB) from RM1.5 million to RM2 million next year.
